Kochi, June 25 (IANS) In a proposal that could open a new avenue for Kerala’s farm sector, the Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) recommended a statewide programme to promote scientific sugarcane cultivation and village-level jaggery production units, citing the success of its Alangad Jaggery Revival Model.

The policy document, submitted to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, outlines a roadmap for ensuring the availability of adulteration-free jaggery while creating new income opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Prepared on the basis of the Alangad model implemented by KVK since 2022, the report argues that linking sugarcane cultivation with micro-processing units can create a sustainable value chain capable of generating employment, strengthening local economies and promoting agri-based enterprises.

According to the document, the Alangad initiative has achieved an average sugarcane yield of 16 tonnes per acre.

A processing unit with a capacity to crush one tonne of sugarcane a day can produce jaggery equivalent to around 10 per cent of the cane’s total weight, making small-scale units both technically viable and financially sustainable.

The KVK estimates that a phased cultivation spread across about 20 acres, even through small and fragmented holdings, would be sufficient to support a one-tonne-per-day processing unit and ensure year-round production.

Establishing such a unit would require an investment of around Rs 20 lakh.

To scale up the initiative, the document recommends the formation of a special mission bringing together government departments, research institutions, local self-government bodies, farmer organisations, financial institutions and entrepreneurs.

The mission would focus on integrating sugarcane cultivation, jaggery production and value-added products while also exploring agri-tourism opportunities.

Other recommendations include identifying new regions suitable for sugarcane cultivation, providing scientific training to farmers, setting up decentralised processing facilities and developing district-level jaggery brands supported by robust marketing networks.

KVK Head Dr Shinoj Subrahmanian handed over the policy document to the Chief Minister, positioning the Alangad model as a potential template for a new rural development initiative across Kerala.

–IANS

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